Why you should get fireproof paint for steel structures

Strength in bearing heavy loads is one of the main reasons we use steel in building construction. Steel is a tough and strong construction material, used in buildings such as skyscrapers across Singapore. However, this strength is challenged by the severe heat of a fire. In a fire, it can take only minutes for unprotected steel to reach critical failure temperature of 550ºC, at which point it loses its capacity to bear heavy loads, leading to structural collapse. In fact, strength loss starts already at 300ºC, which is why you need fire rated paint for steel.

Fire protection paint for steel can provide the following advantages:

Allowing firefighters more time to get the fire under control

Extending crucial evacuation time

Fire protection for up to 120 minutes preventing structural collapse

In this article we list the different types of fire rated coating for steel, explain how to comply with building fireproofing regulations, and reveal where to find fire rated paint for steel products and contractors in Singapore.

Types of fireproof paint for steel structures

Anti fire paint for metal can be classified by fire protection method: intumescent or fire retardant. Each of these coating types are further divided by the length of time they provide fire protection for – 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. Building regulations require different minimum time requirements which vary depending on building type. You can find more information on this subject in our general passive fire prevention with coatings article.

Flame damping fire rated paint

A fire retardant paint works by releasing flame-damping gas when heated, which prevents the spread of flame across a surface – usually walls and ceilings. It is less common to use fire retardant paints for steel structures, because they do not have the same insulating properties of intumescent paint. Therefore, this flame resistant paint for metal is usually a topcoat on another anti fire paint.

Intumescent paint for fireproofing steel

Intumescent paints protect their steel substrate by providing an insulating layer between steel and the fire. Exposure to the heat of a fire triggers a reaction, causing the intumescent paint to expand to up to 50 times its thickness and form a solid foam-like char. This char insulates the steel from the heat, so prolonging the time before it reaches the temperatures that would compromise it. Intumescent paint is the main coating used for steel fire protection.

For the most effective fireproof paint system, you can use these two paints together, with fire retardant paint as a top coat over intumescent paint. In this case, the flame retarding action prevents the intumescent paint from triggering, adding vital extra time.

Hydrocarbon and cellulosic passive fire protection

Not all fires are the same, and the location of the fire will determine the speed and heat of the blaze. Hydrocarbon fires are those that burn because of a combustible liquid or accelerant like petrol or chemicals. They burn hot and extremely fast. Cellulosic fires are those where the fuel source is cellulose – wood, cardboard, paper, cotton, and similar materials. They take longer to reach their peak heat than a hydrocarbon fire, and will not burn as hot. There are also jet fires (a special type of hydrocarbon fire) and rapid rise fires (tunnels, nuclear fires).

Knowing the type of fire that your property is likely to experience is important for choosing the right intumescent paint system. Coating manufacturers develop intumescent coatings as solutions for specific grades of fire protection, climate and exposure, and application techniques. Cellulosic passive fire protection is ‘Category 1’ and hydrocarbon passive fire protection is ‘Category 2’. Commercial and architectural installations like tall buildings, stadiums, or bridges are usually Category 1, while industrial and offshore installations like refineries, oil and gas platforms and chemical plants include the more heavy duty Category 2 protection.

The 2 applications of intumescent paint for steel: thin & thick film

Intumescent coatings for steel can be divided into two broad groups: thin film and thick film coatings. Thin film materials are either solvent based or water based and are mainly used for preventing fires in building. Thick film coatings were originally developed for the off-shore and hydrocarbon industries but have been modified for use in buildings.

Thin film intumescent paint for steel: Thin film fire rated coating for steel systems generally have three components, a primer, a basecoat, and a sealer coat. These paints are mainly used for 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Thin film materials have a 50:1 expansion ratio; a 1 mm thick coating will expand to about 50mm in a fire. These coatings are both solvent- and water-based, and are available in a range of finishes.

Thick film intumescent paint for steel: Thick films have a higher dry film thickness than thin film coatings, and are usually epoxy based. Originally developed for use with hydrocarbon fires, thick film materials are now also used in harsh or difficult to maintain environments where thin film materials would not work optimally. Examples include external steel in high rise buildings and exposed marine environments. Expansion ratios are typically about 5:1, and attractive finishes are also possible.

Find fire rated paint for steel products and contractors in Singapore

There are many fireproof paint for steel products available on the Singapore market. AkzoNobel, Jotun, PPG, and Sika all have anti fire ranges. The price and coverage of these coatings are dependent on the degree of fire resistance and film thickness; additionally, correct application contributes to the costs. If you would like any more information regarding fire protection for steel, or would like to be connected with one of our partners for your project, contact us! Our experts are here to help, just use the “Request a quote” button at the bottom of this article and take advantage of our 100% free quote service.

Intumescent Coating

Fire Protection Category

Product Description

Chartrek 7

Category 2 – Hydrocarbon Pool and Jet Fire Protection

Epoxy intumescent with jet fire certification for durations of up to 3 hours. Tough, durable and resistant to impact and vibration damage. Provides long term corrosion resistance. NORSOK M501 compliant. Suitable for steel, aluminium, and other substrates.

Interchar 3120

Category 1 – Cellulosic Fire Protection

Modified epoxy intumescent providing up to 120 minutes of fire protection. Designed for off-site application to structural steelwork. Suitable for environments up to C5. BS 476 certified.